Abstract
In this paper, I consider the main Marxist objections to Honneth’s model of
critical social theory, and Honneth’s key objections to Marx-inspired models. I then
seek to outline a rapprochement between the two positions, by showing how Honneth’s normative concept of recognition is not antithetical to functionalist arguments, but in fact contains a social-theoretical dimension, the idea that social reproduction and social evolution revolve around struggles around the interpretation of core societal norms. By highlighting the social theoretical side of recognition, one can outline a model of critical social theory that in fact corresponds to the descriptive and normative features outlined by Marx himself. However, the price of this rapprochement for Honnethian critical theory is a greater emphasis on the division of labour as the central mechanism of social reproduction.
critical social theory, and Honneth’s key objections to Marx-inspired models. I then
seek to outline a rapprochement between the two positions, by showing how Honneth’s normative concept of recognition is not antithetical to functionalist arguments, but in fact contains a social-theoretical dimension, the idea that social reproduction and social evolution revolve around struggles around the interpretation of core societal norms. By highlighting the social theoretical side of recognition, one can outline a model of critical social theory that in fact corresponds to the descriptive and normative features outlined by Marx himself. However, the price of this rapprochement for Honnethian critical theory is a greater emphasis on the division of labour as the central mechanism of social reproduction.
| Translated title of the contribution | Critical theory between Marx and Honneth |
|---|---|
| Original language | Portuguese |
| Pages (from-to) | 630-653 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Journal | Civitas. Revista de Ciencias Sociais |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.Keywords
- Marx
- Honneth
- critical theory
- recognition
- functionalism
- social labour
- division of labour